Tropical Storm Bertha is moving westward along the Gulf of Mexico’s northern coast, prompting a tropical storm watch for southwestern Louisiana and the upper Texas coasts. The storm is expected to bring up to four feet of storm surge and winds up to 50 mph. However, strong wind shear is likely to prevent the storm from strengthening and will reduce rainfall, minimizing the risk of major flooding. A coastal flood warning is in effect for Mississippi and Louisiana, with possible flash flooding from western Florida to southern Texas. Despite predictions of fewer storms this hurricane season due to El Niño, unusually warm Gulf waters could still fuel stronger storms. This warmth is partly due to oceans absorbing heat from climate change.
QUESTION: How might the increasing temperatures of ocean waters impact future weather patterns and storm intensity?
Tropical Storm Bertha moves along the Gulf Coast but damage is expected to be limited
